Empowering women in agriculture
Sabnam Topno, Dorma, Jharkhand
Problem
- Unpredictable weather patterns
- Frequent pest attacks
- Limited market access
Result: More efforts, little profit.
Crops
Cucumber | Marigold | Vegetables | Nursery plants
Field area: 240 sq. m.
The turning point
In November 2022, Sabnam came across the Kheyti Greenhouse-in-a-Box. Determined to secure her family’s future, she took this leap into modern farming.
The journey
With Kheyti’s hands-on guidance in irrigation, pest management, and greenhouse farming, Sabnam grew cucumbers in her first crop cycle, earning ₹10,000. Had she grown in an open field, she would have made only ₹3,000–4,000 at most, less than half of what she earned with the greenhouse.
Encouraged by this success, she ventured into nursery farming next, cultivating marigold saplings that earned her ₹30,000 in a single season.
Since then, Sabnam has completed four crop cycles, growing both vegetables and nursery plants. The greenhouse’s stable and predictable environment has eliminated the uncertainty of traditional farming, enabling her to plan better, improve yield quality, and earn consistently throughout the year.
Support provided
Sabnam was selected to receive a Kheyti Greenhouse-in-a-Box based on her interest in adopting modern agricultural techniques and her potential to influence other farmers in her community.
This intervention enabled her to transition from traditional farming to a more sustainable and controlled approach.
Impact at a glance
Farming impact
- Earnings: ₹40,000+ across initial crop cycles
- Duration: 12 months
- Crop health: Reduced pest infestations and higher productivity
- Consistent year-round income
Social impact
- Gained financial independence and confidence
- Invested in better seeds and her children’s education
- Adopted modern agricultural practices and efficient water use
- Inspired other women farmers to pursue greenhouse farming